Control IQ (CIQ) is an advanced hybrid closed loop system designed to ease the burden and stress involved in the daily decision making around diabetes management.
Though an exact release date is not yet known, it is expected that Control IQ technology will be available in Australia in the near future!
What is Control IQ (CIQ)?
Control IQ is an advanced hybrid closed loop system that can be uploaded onto a Tandem tT:Slim X2 pump. It pairs with the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring system and uses advanced algorithms to help keep glucose levels in target.
Internationally, fantastic results have been reported in children, adolescents and adults using CIQ in trials involving real world data [https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/dia.2021.0097 ].
How it works
Control IQ adjusts insulin delivery based upon 30-minute predicted CGM values including delivery of automatic correction boluses to help increase time spent in range (3.9-10mmol/L). The algorithm is based on a person’s pump settings in their personal profile.
Special settings for sleep and exercise can be used to help achieve finer glucose control in these situations.
Who is this for?
Control IQ is for tandem pump users who:
- Are 6 years old or above
- Have a minimum total daily insulin requirement of 10 Units and maximum 100 units
- Weigh at least 25 kgs
- Not taking a medication called hydroxyurea
Clinical Nurse Consultant Liz Broad said sensor augmented pump therapy and hybrid closed loop systems require a different way of thinking when it comes to managing diabetes.
“There must be a level of trust in the system, and though you will still be required to bolus for carbohydrates, there is an element of a more “hands off” approach as you let the CGM and CIQ algorithm take care of the background insulin delivery for you,” she said. “This may sound very appealing for some, but may not fit all families.”
Things to consider:
- CIQ will aim to increase time spent in range, 3.9-10mmol/L
- Automatic corrections can be delivered when the 30-min predicted glucose is above 10mmol/L (delivery will not occur within 60min of a previous bolus or more often than hourly)
If these values don’t align with you and your child’s individualised diabetes goals, then this may not be the system for you.
I’m interested! What can I do?
For those already on a tandem pump who are keen to try CIQ once it’s made available, there are a few things you can do to get the ball rolling:
- Move to the Dexcom G6 CGM if you haven’t already. The G6 is covered through the NDSS for eligible children on a Tandem pump. Pump software will need to be updated to v6.4.1 if not already, so that your pump can ”talk” to the G6 as opposed to the G5 (an added bonus is the Basal IQ feature). Updates are free to in-warranty T:Slim X2 insulin pumps.
- Work regularly on optimising your pump settings. As mentioned, the algorithms used in CIQ are based on your insulin pump settings in your current active profile. The more accurate the settings, the smoother the transition to CIQ, and you will see better results sooner!
For those on injections, this might be time to reach out to your clinic team and enquire about access to pump therapy. This would entail going through the normal pump start process when you feel ready. If you have chosen the Tandem T:Slim, you can the move to CIQ through our rollout process once released. There are other versions of advanced hybrid closed loop available for other pumps also.
In anticipation of the Control IQ rollout, we have completed some training and have learned a lot from our colleagues overseas. What we know is that a key factor in families understanding and getting the most out of any hybrid closed loop system (and staying on it!) is follow-up education with your clinicians. Therefore, we will be using a very structured approach of at least two follow-up sessions once a person has moved to CIQ to help you through this journey. A more detailed communication with the exact process for transition will be circulated once a release date is announced.
We also hope to provide a pre-release CIQ information / Q&A webinar, so please watch this space.
Omnipod DASH® is launching in Australia later in 2021
Another option for our patients to consider is the Omnipod DASH® System, a tubeless device that can provide three days of non-stop insulin delivery. This devise is a lightweight, tubeless, waterproof, wearable Pod controlled by a smartphone-like touch screen Bluetooth® enabled controller. The Pod can be worn almost anywhere an injection would be administered.
We look forward to being able to support you!